Monkey taunt Chelsea fan, who describes himself as a 'drunken menace', goes into hiding

Danny Welbeck was the alleged target of the abuse (GETTY IMAGES)

The Chelsea fan pictured apparently making racist “monkey” gestures at a black Manchester United player appears to have gone into hiding.

Gavin Kirkham, 28, was caught on camera and his actions have sparked investigations by police and Chelsea.

Before disappearing from his home in Letchworth Garden City, reporters asked him if he wanted to explain his actions. He said: "Not at the moment, no."

He added he was busy "trying to earn a living" and said he had not been contacted by police or

Kirkham calls himself a "drunken menace" on MySpace and lists The Football Factory - a violent movie about Chelsea hooligans - as one of his favourite films.

He was identified hours after furious Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ordered club officials to track him down. The club are threatening to ban him from Stamford Bridge for life.

It is believed police are planning to arrest him following an official complaint of "alleged racist behaviour" during the game with Manchester United on Wednesday.